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Let's start this by getting one thing out of the way- yes, Athlete's debut album 'Vehicals & Animals' sounds like it was done by an almost entirely different band. It was full of quirky pop songs that, back in 2003 when it was released, sounded so amazingly fresh that it deserved to much better (both critically and comercially) than it actually did. Since its release Athlete appear to have changed tact a little bit. "Tourist" was way more mainstream and whilst not a fresh sounding, it was still a good album. It was just different to "Vehicles & Animals".

"Beyond the Neighbourhood" borrows more heavily from "Tourist" than their debut record. However, unlike some of the other reviews here suggest this doesn't mean that 'Beyond the Neighbourhood' is a bad album. In fact, far from it. It's a record that on first listen sounds a bit slight. However, the more you give it a go the more it starts to hang together well. Somehow Athlete pull it off, somewhat against the odds. Take for instance the song The Outsiders. Its chorus is "I'm away with the faries now". Written down on paper it sounds a terrible lyric. However, when sung by Joel Pott it has a strangely captivating quality. You will find yourself singing along with it after a few listens completely forgetting how bad the lyric actually is because somehow it really does work.

The rest of the album is good for similar reasons. "Best Not to Think About it" is a touching take on 9/11. Of course it's no great musical statement that will have you thinking "wow" (none of this record is) but again something about its simplicity works. Too often these days we will only praise records that are big artistic statements- Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible" springs to mind from this year. Yes, there is a time and a place for these types of records but at the same time we should not forget the more accessible albums such as "Beyond the Neighbourhood". You really can listen to this album over and over again (I certainly can't to that with Arcade Fire)

The music press tell you that Athlete aren't cool. They are probably right that "Beyond the Neighbourhood" isn't the best album you will buy this year. However, I already get the feeling that it will be one of my most played CD's over the next few months in much the same way that "Tourist" unexpectedly was. It's far better than all of the bands the detractors compare it to- Keane (real bedwetters), Snow Patrol or even Coldplay. Athlete have far more originality than any of those.

It's hard to put your finger on what makes this a good record. There is no one track that carries it. In fact, listened in isolation some of the songs probably sound lightweight. However, put together this is a very good album. It is greater than the sum of its parts.



Rating: 4 out of 5

Literally, Athlete's third album resides between the sound and oevre of their previous two offerings, Vehicles & Animals, and Tourist.

As a result of this no-man's land between the two (one kooky and musical, one maudlin and anthemic), the resulting blandness equates to Athlete's seeming aspiration: let's take over where Coldplay left off.

Unfortunately, for a group who are fantastic live, and have obviously musical talent, they have sold themselves short on this album which sounds underproduced, insincere and altogether much of a nothingness. I give it three stars because their are three half-decent tracks: 'The Outsiders', 'Flying Over Bus Stops' and 'This Is What I Sound Like'.

There are no 'Westsides' and no 'If I Found Out' here, and Joel Pott sounds like he is stoned with a cold throughout most of it. A shame.

Rating: 3 out of 5

SHEIKHDOSWINDOWS IS A IDIOT .
I BET HE'S REAL GREAT CRACK ON A NIGHT OUT.
LOLOLL

Rating: 5 out of 5

this album, runs in the deep of all you, its a book of poetry!!!
i love it!!!
best tracks??? all them!!!
listen and understand...
a huge best of best to this band that as bem great!!! even that the label doens't give them mutch credit.
its a must on every collection.
anthony braga.


Rating: 5 out of 5

never really took any notice of Athlete..... untill now. Listening to the album right now, Wow! it is as near perfection as you can get. Really love 'in between 2 states' I'm glad I gave it a go Brilliant!

Rating: 5 out of 5